Overview

• Annemarie Jacir’s historical drama held its Gala world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 5.
• The film is officially Palestine’s submission for the international feature Oscar, with Watermelon Pictures representing North American rights and MK2 Films with Lucky Number handling international sales.
• A Variety review lauded the epic scope and ensemble performances and described the film as prescient in its timing.
• Production began in Palestine a week after Oct. 7, moved to Jordan during the war, stopped and restarted four times, and finished key scenes back in Palestine in November 2024.
• Jacir emphasized authenticity by restoring a West Bank village, planting period crops, and building British-era props in a multi-country co-production backed by the BBC and BFI.